Alumni Update - Scott Patterson (Tacoma Rainiers)

Scott Patterson already made a long journey to the major leagues.

The West Allegheny High School graduate made one relief appearance with the New York Yankees and three more with the San Diego Padres in 2008. That came after he spent the first five seasons of his career pitching in independent minor leagues from 2002-06 following his collegiate career at West Virginia State before the Yankees purchased his contract from Lancaster of the Atlantic League in 2006.

Patterson, 33, is pitching for the Seattle Mariners' Class AAA Tacoma farm club this season. He is hoping to make a shorter journey to the major leagues this season as Seattle is just a 33-mile drive up Interstate 5 from Tacoma.

Patterson has been serving as Tacoma's closer in recent weeks. After beginning the year on the disabled list, he is 1-3 with three saves and a 2.66 ERA in 20 games.

Patterson has pitched in 271 minor-leagues games, including three starts, in his 11-year career and compiled a 16-16 record with 37 saves and a fine 2.83 ERA. He was not involved in the decision in any of his major-league games and had a 1.93 ERA.